Mary Ann Arvizu

Mariana (Ochoa) Arvizu was born to Mariano and Dolores Ochoa in Scottsdale, AZ on Dec 10, 1928. She was one of eight children in the family, a family with an Arizona legacy that predates the Arizona Territory. Her family was instrumental in building the Old Adobe Mission Church, the original Our Lady of Perpetual Help, that stands today in Old Town Scottsdale. She often spoke of the countless hours spent caring for the church; it was the start of a life dedicated to her faith in the Lord. She reminisced about picking cotton and riding her bike to Jokake Inn for work to help support the family. She was an athlete, and very proud of her accomplishments as a softball player. It was at the age of 17 that she met her husband, Abraham Arvizu, Sr., in downtown Phoenix, when she worked at Woolworth's. They were married and moved to a home in Phoenix's Golden Gate Barrio. Once again, her family was an integral part in building a historic church; this time Historic Sacred Heart Church. She served Sacred Heart Parish in multiple roles, including operating the thrift store for Sr. Mary Luca Junk. Because of this effort, Sr. Luca was able to clothe the poor and generate revenue for young, single, and expectant mothers in the various barrios. Mary Ann, as she was known later, and Abraham had four children: Linda, Cynthia, Abraham Jr., and Michael. Those four children brought Mary Ann nine grandchildren (Mary Ann, Armando, Vanessa, Antonio, AJ, Gilbert, Roman, Andrew & Pierce), eight great grandchildren (Vanessa, Michael, Anastasia, Rebecca, Martin, Estevan, Julian & Maya), and five great-great grandchildren. Mary Ann was also a small business owner, and a real estate investor. When she and her family were relocated because of the airport expansion, Mary Ann chose a location where she could look out her window and see a Catholic church, Immaculate Heart. It was in this home where she lived until her passing at the age of 93. Her faith remained a pillar of her life; she prayed daily, and when she could no longer attend in person, she watched mass on television both in English and Spanish. Mary Ann was a vibrant, exciting, and unique woman that left an impression on family and friends alike. She instilled her faith in her family, and there are countless memories of all the wonderful moments spent with her loved ones.

A visitation for Mary Ann will be held Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel, 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013. A rosary service will occur Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 22, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 7655 E Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. A committal service will occur Monday, August 22, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for the Arvizu family.